Commerce and NRF report mixed February retail sales

Commerce reported that February retail sales dipped 0.1% from January to February at $492.0 billion, while seeing a 4.0% annual gain. NRF reported that its retail sales data, which excludes automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants, saw a 0.3% seasonally adjusted gain from January to February and a 4.4% annual gain. Retail Sales Data 2018, Quarter one 2018 Retail volumes